Most of the top supermarket chains are battling to come to Teignmouth in multi-million pound deals.

If a package can be agreed with Teignbridge Council it would mean a huge regeneration for the deprived Broadmeadow area and provide a massive economic boost to the town and district.

The authority was negotiating solely with the up-market Waitrose chain, part of the John Lewis group, which wanted to open up in the town. Its nearest stores are in Okehampton and east Devon.

But, under European legislation, such large schemes now have to be advertised to other potential developers.

The council was reluctant, but its hands were tied legally, and the project was duly opened to all.

This week was the deadline for the responses and more than 40 organisations expressed an interest, including Waitrose and other major supermarket players.

Now Teignbridge officers are starting the task of sifting through the submissions to whittle them down to a serious shortlist of six or seven.

Those will be asked to send in more detailed appraisals of exactly how they would like to see the site developed, and a preferred partner will eventually be chosen by the executive.

There are various options for developing Broadmeadow, which is badly in need of a facelift, and a top-notch supermarket and restoration of some of the sports pitches – out of bounds since contamination began leaking from the former l From page 1

landfill site some years ago – are among the priorities.

New roads, offices and residential accommodation, and improved commercial units, are all possibilities that will be considered by Teignbridge, which is keeping an open mind on exactly what the final plan will be.

It is expected to cost at least £15-million, and Kevin Gilding, whose responsibilities at Forde House, Newton Abbot, include heading up economic development, said they were very optimistic it would lead to a good deal.

'We are very encouraged by the response we have had, and intend to progress the next stage as quickly as possible.

'This will be a tremendous boost for the economic regeneration of a deprived part of Teignmouth, and will also benefit the rest of the town and the Teignbridge area.

'It will provide quite a few jobs and draw people into the town from outside. Supermarkets competing have got to be good for prices and choice for the public. It is an exciting project,' Mr Gilding added.

The Teignbridge leader, Cllr Alan Connett, pointed out that the authority placed great emphasis on economic regeneration.

'We know we have got to do something with Broadmeadow, and this could be the ideal win-win situation. More sport pitches are desperately needed in the town, and we are progressing the Michael's Field scheme at Bishopsteignton to help out.

'Despite the economic downturn, the interest we have received in Broadmeadow shows that certain companies, especially involving supermarkets, are still prepared to invest, because they realise that the economy will pick up again eventually, and Teignbridge is an excellent place to do business.'